TIER IV and ADI GMSL: Bringing Constant Visibility and Real-Time Data Capture to Industrial Autonomy
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CloseTIER IV AND ADI GMSL: BRINGING CONSTANT VISIBILITY AND REAL-TIME DATA CAPTURE TO INDUSTRIAL AUTONOMY
Enhanced functional safety and productivity from autonomous robots is, of course, of paramount concern for manufacturers. But to achieve a level of safe automation that empowers manufacturers to upgrade, enhance, or introduce more novel automation into their plants, their equipment must feature low latency technologies to capture raw data in real-time.
To tackle this challenge, TIER IV—the pioneering force behind the world’s first open-source software for autonomous driving—partnered with Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) to create a novel GMSL-to-Ethernet conversion module.
This joint effort brings together TIER IV’s expertise in autonomous solutions with ADI’s innovative Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link (GMSL™) technology. The aim is to deliver a robust, autonomous, robot solution for industrial manufacturing.
“We are excited about collaborating with ADI, a true co-creator, beyond just a chip provider. As ADI pioneers solutions for the industrial landscape, it is truly an honor for TIER IV to support their innovative journey utilizing our camera solutions.”Kazunari Kawabata
VP of Future Solution and PM of Edge.Auto | TIER IV
AT A GLANCE
ABOUT
TIER IV is a pioneer of open-source autonomous driving (AD) technology and creator of Autoware, the world’s first and widely acclaimed open-source AD software. Leveraging cutting-edge software and hardware solutions across multiple platforms, TIER IV enables the development of safe and efficient autonomous driving technology, aiming to reimagine intelligent vehicles/robotics through the art of open source.
CHALLENGE
Find a partner to aid in the development of a real-time, machine-vision platform for industrial autonomy that can perceive and respond to their surroundings.
GOAL
Expand the adoption of autonomous vehicles (AV) and robotic technologies in diverse applications by improving the accessibility and usability of cutting-edge interfaces and sensors.
ADI SOLUTION
ADI’s GMSL technology, is a highly configurable serializer-deserializer solution that provides simultaneous transmission of high-speed data, real-time communication, and power over a single wire.
WHAT IS GMSL?
ADI’s GMSL technology is a highly configurable serial-deserializer connectivity solution that transports high speed data from one end of the link to the other, and support power and communication over a bidirectional channel over a single cable. The GMSL2™ family can support up to 6 Gbps on the forward channel. This technology is extensively used within the automotive industry for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and infotainment displays, and is increasingly used in industrial automation, intelligent infrastructure, aerospace and defense, digital healthcare, and others. GMSL’s data integrity, enhanced safety and functionality, low latency, and small solution size enable system designs to employ high resolution cameras and displays needed for advanced perception.
MORE THAN TRANSACTIONAL: A RELATIONSHIP OF CO-CREATION AND COLLABORATION
Source: Tier IV, Inc.
As ADI initiated broadening the horizons of GMSL solutions within the realm of autonomous robotic space, TIER IV embarked on a common journey with ADI, harnessing the prowess of their camera solutions. Together, the companies aspired to innovate and contribute seamlessly to the vibrant landscape of autonomous robot space. There was a shared understanding that this endeavor needed to be beyond transactional.
Unquestionably, ADI’s vast ecosystem experience and supply-chain resilience played a factor in establishing the relationship with TIER IV. But it was ADI’s unique openness, and its co-creation efforts in the design process that cemented the relationship.
The result of these joint efforts was a platform that delivers precision, environmental awareness (behavioral shifts, intelligence, and adaptation) from the sensor to the compute unit—featuring 8-channel, low latency camera sync, time stamping, and the possibility to offset signals.
GMSL2™-10G Ethernet Conversion Module: Striving for Best-in-Class, Real-Time Autonomy
TIER IV and ADI’s joint efforts resulted in a combined GMSL2 to 10GbE conversion system platform to create the AD-GMSL2ETH-SL, featuring:
- Versatility for a variety of applications, including robotics
- Capable of acquiring data from up to 8 cameras and sensors via GMSL2 ports
- Raw data conversion using an FPGA, and outputs uncompressed video data with low latency through a 10G Ethernet port
- Synchronization with peripheral devices like LiDAR via PTP (Precision Time Protocol)
- Individually configurable shutter timing for each camera
- Image data timestamping
- User-friendly design, facilitated by an intuitive web interface for settings management, enhances its adaptability
- Development cost reduction due to the highest performance of the converter platform and the ability to timestamp and synchronize all input channels— normally a complex, multiprocessing requirement at higher expense
GMSL DELIVERS ADVANCED VIDEO CONNECTIVITY FOR MULTIPLE MARKETS
In addition to its wide adoption in automotive applications—and now industrial autonomy with TIER IV— GMSL is addressing the need for improved visualization across broad markets including smart agriculture and aquaculture; intelligent infrastructure with traffic monitoring; building automation with security and surveillance; aerospace with inflight infotainment; and digital healthcare with surgical robots, endoscopes, and smart operating rooms.
GMSL also enables increased spatial and perception awareness in autonomous robotic systems. Real-time data analytics helps create actionable insights from its diagnostic and optimization capabilities in an industrial setting that can help enhance productivity (lessen downtime) and flexibility. What’s more, because these robots may interact with humans (cobots), GMSL’s low latency and simultaneous delivery of high speed data and real-time communication can help support quick decision-making capabilities needed for safety-critical maneuvers.
GMSL is a Customer-Centric, Cost-Efficient, and Scalable SerDes Technology
Leading Technology
- Robust PHY with extremely low BER
- Supports highest resolutions
- Low latency
Flexible Topologies
- Video splitting
- Daisy chaining
- Sensor data aggregation
Scalable System Design
- Footprint compatible speed options
- Backward compatible to previous GMSL generations
Budget Conscious Solutions
- Video, audio, control, and data on a single channel
- Video splitting, daisy-chained displays
- Power over coax (POC)
Safe Solutions on the Road
- ASIL B rated devices
- Real-time link diagnostic capability
- Meets stringent EMI/EMC requirements
Energy Efficiency
- Lightweight design reduces energy consumption and emissions
- Low waste across product lifespan
“GMSL addresses the need for high bandwidth, low latency vision/sensor data transfer to enable real-time awareness, advanced analytics, and optimization essential for next-generation, intelligent, autonomous systems. This co-created ‘GMSL2 to 10GbE’ conversion subsystem module allows for quick and easy development of advanced robotic perception platforms.”Mieu-Ngan Pang
Sr. Director, Product Marketing, Automotive Cabin Experience | Analog Devices
Benefits of Real-Time, Autonomy in Manufacturing 1
Enhanced Safety
Lower latency and faster response times mean greater collaboration (cobots) in closer proximity to humans; workers also don’t have to encounter harmful, dangerous conditions (high heat/cold, dirty, dangerous, etc.).
Enhanced Data Collection, Analysis
Ability to collect/analyze data quickly enables faster identification of inefficiencies and trends and then adapts to remedy the situation.
Increased Efficiency
Perform repetitive, arduous tasks with extreme precision and high repeatability, due to ability to follow application processes without deviation.
Improved Flexibility
Ability to be quickly reprogrammed to adapt to changes in production line needs, adding greater flexibility, and personalization.
Enhanced Productivity
Ability to work at a faster pace over longer periods with less downtime, increasing output with less product waste due to precision motion, and programming.
LEVERAGING TWO LEGACIES TO CREATE A FIRST IN AUTONOMOUS MANUFACTURING
Source: Tier IV, Inc.
TIER IV has garnered praise in the automotive industry as developing the world’s first and widely acclaimed open-source autonomous driving software. ADI also has a well-earned reputation as a leader in industrial automation with an uncompromising commitment to co-creation, collaboration, and openness—beyond a mere chip supplier.
Their work together has resulted in the development of a converter module that holds the promise of delivering a transformational, autonomous experience, and innovative value across various fields, including industrial automation.
Together with TIER IV’s innovative camera solutions and ADI’s advanced GMSL technology, these two innovative companies are positioned to produce real-time results that help enhance manufacturing productivity, efficiency, and safety.
References
1 “Benefits of Robots in Manufacturing.” Robots Done Right.
